Air superiority continues

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis down the runway at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2020. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. This F-16 belongs to the 14th Fighter Squadron, assigned to Misawa AB in 1994. Their emblem is the Fighting Samurai. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Breaking off

Four U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2020. In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius exceeds all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low-flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Go panthers

U.S. Air Force Capt. Reese Black, a 13th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot and chief of mobility, throws up the “panther paw” at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2020. Airmen with the 13th FS and 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit display the “panther paw” hand sign as homage to Eldridge, the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron’s pet panther, during the Vietnam War, now represented as the official mascot of the 13th FS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Can you hear me?

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Greyshock, a 13th Fighter Squadron avionics systems journeyman, talks to Capt. Reese Black, the 13th FS chief of mobility, via radio headset at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that has proven itself in air-to-air and air-to-surface attacks. Airmen are working around the clock ensuring aircraft are ready for flight training operations in order to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Time to get out

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor Dickins, a 13th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot and squadron flight safety officer, sits in the cockpit of an F-16 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2020. Established as the 313th Bombardment Squadron during World War II, the 13th FS pioneered the Wild Weasel mission during the Vietnam War. In 1972, the 13th FS adopted a black Asian leopard named Eldridge and became known as the “Panther Pack.” On June 1, 1985, the squadron activated at Misawa Air Base flying for the 432nd and 35th Operations Groups. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Duo taxi

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi down the runway at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2020. During Operation Allied Force, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters flew a variety of missions, including the suppression of enemy air defense, offensive counter air, defensive counter air, close air support and forward air controller missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Time to go

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Greyshock, a 13th Fighter Squadron avionics systems journeyman, speaks into a radio headset at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2020. Avionics specialists require attention to detail since proper maintenance can mean the difference between mission success and failure. Part of their job consists of helping make quick fixes to jets to ensure they are available for flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Marshal them in

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Juan Humenez, a unit tactical aircraft maintainer, marshals an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2020. Tactical aircraft maintenance specialists ensure every component of the aircraft is maintained to the standards. They ensure the aircraft are ready to fly at a moment’s notice so pilots can safely and effectively complete their mission. Even amidst current policy restrictions due to COVID-19, the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission of projecting combat air power and defending the U.S. and Japan is still moving forward. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

For the 35th Fighter Wing, the mission continues

Published April 2, 2020
By Airman 1st Class China M. Shock
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --

The 35th Fighter Wing's mission of projecting combat air power and defending the U.S. and Japan moves forward.

“Despite the current COVID-19 crisis, our mission continues,” said Maj. David Dubel, the 14th Fighter Squadron director of operations. “This is a difficult yet opportune time for everyone to prove we can carry on with the mission regardless of the trials that stand before us. We have to proceed to do what we do here to ensure we are ready to answer our nation’s call.”